Having been fortunate enough to review the excellent ‘Wicked Maiden’ by Impellitteri, I jumped at the opportunity to interview Chris and the guys.

Being familiar with your impressive back catalogue, I have to say that ‘Wicked Maiden’ has claimed top spot in my opinion as your strongest release to date. What is your verdict, and how significant is this album after 20 years in the history of Impellitteri the band?

“Thank you Julian, I honestly and humbly appreciate your opinion. I would agree that this is probably one of the best records we have done, yes...”

“Wicked Maiden” is an extension of the first Impellitteri record entitled the “Impellitteri Black EP” actually which featured the songs “Lost In The Rain” and “Burning”, etc…. However, this record has a massive production, which our first record did not. In addition I think we wanted to return to our original and slightly aggressive side of musical performance. So there is a lot of shredding, screaming, and speed coupled with melodic overtones and harmony.”

To me ‘Wicked Maiden’ highlights a band performing at the top of their game, appearing solid yet comfortable, creating a perfect balance in all departments. It is noticeable that owing to your obvious reputation as a guitar wizard, it is reassuring that unlike certain other shred-meisters, you have elected to refrain from unnecessary overblown solos, only adding the length of solo with which each track requires. Is this something that you were conscious of during the writing stages?

“Yes !! I always try to compliment the song when I am doing a shredding guitar solo. I think the song must be enhanced by the guitar masturbation, not limited by it. So, the song dictates whether the solo can be long or short. Obviously, there are songs where I get to shred for a long period of time, like in “Weapons Of Mass Distortion”…. It’s lots of fun and, also, allowed by the song!!”

Although the album took 3 years from the writing through to the eventual release, you have certainly raised the bar. The production and mixing is stunning with the decision to enlist Greg Reely’s expertise certainly paying off. But what prompted you to go with him?

“I worked with Greg on “Pedal To The Metal” too, but he only mixed that record. For “Wicked Maiden” I brought Greg in as a co-producer, and I think his expertise is paying off. He mixed the entire record without any band members in the studio, too!! That in itself was extremely hard for us… Ultimately we gave him our TRUST!! and Greg gave us a fresh perspective……”

What are your favourite tracks on ‘Wicked Maiden’, and which are likely to be included in a live set list?

“Wicked Maiden” is my favourite followed by “Garden of Eden”… but, in addition, we are playing many songs from the new record because they are really fun to play live, and the fans really love these songs already…. Moreover, we recently shot music videos for “Last Of A Dying Breed” (so that goes in…) and “Wicked Maiden”.

The artwork to ‘Wicked Maiden’ provides perfect packaging for what lies within, who takes the credit for selecting the artwork, and who is the artist?

“The artist is Ann Stokes. I saw the artwork on her site and knew immediately she had created the “Wicked Maiden” that I saw in my mind. So, I contacted Ann and asked her if she would work with Impellitteri. Luckily she said yes!!!!”

Congratulations in being asked to perform at ‘Sweden Rock 2009’, I understand that you just played last weekend on the main festival stage in front of 35,000 revellers, would this be the biggest audience that you have entertained in Europe?

“Hey…! It was a lot of fun, truly amazing!! Sweden was actually FREEZING when we played, but the audience rocked. Impellitteri’s biggest audience was probably at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, which was 65,000 people… but I loved it.”

Did you have any time to catch any of the other bands playing the festival, and if so who?

Have you any intention of bringing a headline tour to Europe in support of ‘Wicked Maiden’, and if so what’s the likelihood of you performing in the UK?

“Yes, we have every intention of touring the UK and doing a full European Tour. We are currently contacting promoters to make this thing happen!!”

It would be fair to say that melodic power metal is as popular as ever with European bands Primal Fear, Hammerfall and Helloween at the forefront, but is the scene becoming as vibrant over the other side of the pond?

“The United States is very difficult to capture for any style of music except Rap. We have lots of fans in the United States and we are getting more popular, but it really is about being persistent more than entering a vibrant scene.”

Whilst you are a big draw in Japan, how do you feel that you are received over there as opposed to Europe and America?

“We have been big mainly in The United States and Japan really. We have never been very popular in Europe because we did not have the support from labels or promoters. However, I hope that is changing now..”.

“In America I was on MTV when I was really young and that gave me exposure to millions of people. In Japan, the success seemed to grow after The United States.”

What are your hobbies away from music?

“Gardening, shredding on the couch, hanging out with family!!”

Finally, congratulations on a top show at Sweden Rock, and hoping to see you in the UK in the not too distant future….

“Thank you very much !!”

“Cheers!”

Chris I.

www.myspace.com/impellitteri

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